GST Staff

Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets December 01, 2024

Mavs' Scorching Offense Looks to Overwhelm Struggling Blazers Defense

Game Preview

The Portland Trail Blazers (8-12) will look to build on their recent win as they host the red-hot Dallas Mavericks (11-8) on Sunday night. While Portland has struggled to find consistency this season, hovering around a 40% win rate, Dallas arrives riding a two-game winning streak and playing some of their best basketball, winning 4 of their last 5 contests.

Offense has been the story for the Mavericks, who have averaged a blistering 126.2 points per game over their last 5 outings. They've shot a scorching 50.2% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc during this stretch, aided by a 80.1% mark from the charity stripe. Sharing the ball effectively with 26 assists per game, Dallas has found a rhythm that Portland's middling defense will be hard-pressed to contain.

The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, have continued to sputter on that end of the floor. Over their last 10 games, they've allowed 112.3 points per contest while struggling to get stops, grabbing just 7.2 blocks and 9.5 steals. Their own offense has been pedestrian, scoring 104.9 points on 42.4% shooting and a mere 33.7% from deep.

While Dallas' offensive onslaught could prove too much for Portland's porous defense, the Blazers may find a sliver of hope in their ability to control the glass. They've matched the Mavs in rebounding with 44 boards per game over their last 5 outings, a shade above Dallas' 49 rebounds during the same stretch. Winning that battle could give Portland second-chance opportunities to keep pace.

Ultimately, the Mavericks' recent torrid scoring and overall strong play on both ends points to a tough challenge for the Trail Blazers. If Portland can't find a way to slow Dallas' diverse offensive attack and continue their own shooting woes, this could be another long night at home against one of the league's hotter teams.